Are we heading for an Internet shutdown over the next 48 hours? Maybe. Seriously.

Ever wonder what a global Internet outage might feel like? We make get a chance to experience a pre-1992 world over the next 48 hours as some technical changes are made the routing of data.

According to Fossbytes, ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), the organization that coordinates maintenance of several databases related to namespaces and numerical spaces of the Internet, is in the midst of an update that may affect the global Domain Name System (DNS). To put it more plainly, ICANN is updating its address book.

More specifically, ICANN is working on something redundantly called the Root Zone Key Signing Key (KSK for short). Fossbytes says this could mess with Internet service all over the planet.

By rolling the KSK, ICANN implies that a new cryptographic public and private key pair will be generated and the private key will be distributed to internet service providers, enterprise network administrators, and Domain Name System (DNS) resolver operators.

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In an official statement, Communications Regulatory Authority said: “To further clarify, some internet users might be affected if their network operators or Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have not prepared for this change. However, this impact can be avoided by enabling the appropriate system security extensions.”

Due to the ongoing maintenance work, some internet users could face issues in accessing web pages or making transactions over the next 48 hours.

ICANN says, that concerns are overblown. This report says that things will progress with no problems. If you do experience Internet problems, try jiggling the handle before you freak out.

About the Author

Alan Cross is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker.
In his 30+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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